Search

This study sought to investigate the anthropometric traits and physical capabilities of team handball players, categorized based on their playing positions. A total of 50 male players (age: 27.4 ± 4.2 years; body mass: 92.8 ± 14.2 kg; height: 1.87 ± 0.08 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were categorized as Backs (12), Wings (14), Pivots (14), and Goalkeepers (10). The measurements included squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), sprint timings over 15 and 30 m, upper and lower limb muscle volume, change-of-direction T-Half test performance, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance. Depending on the position, the largest differences were detected for 30 m sprint (ηp2 = 0.72), 15 m sprint (ηp2 = 0.71), T-Half test (ηp2 = 0.41), half squat (ηp2 = 0.35), and bicipital skinfold of a throwing arm (ηp2 = 0.34). Bicipital skinfold showed the highest number (three) of relevant (r > 0.5) relationships, especially in sprinting (sprint 15 m: r = 0.528; sprint 30 m: r = 0.503) and change-of-direction ability (T-Half test: r = 0.518). Differences in physical performance and body type according to playing positions emphasize the value of goalkeeper-specific training and scouting for handball players, with a particular emphasis on both. This information might be helpful for optimizing position-specific training regimes.

Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = 29). AP was calculated using the grade point averages (GPA) in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic. Additionally, the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized. Results: Four parameters (peak height velocity [PHV], science, Arabic, vigorous PA) showed relevant gender effects (p < 0.05 and ηp2 > 0.10). The largest gender effect was calculated for PHV (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45). PHV was markedly higher for males (1.65 ± 0.90) than for females (0.36 ± 0.37). Females showed a higher performance level in science (82.9 ± 8.61 vs. 77.0 ± 8.76) and Arabic (80.9 ± 8.25 vs. 73.0 ± 8.22). A significant gender difference (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.18) was evident for vigorous MET-minutes/week (males: 1318 ± 932 vs. females: 646 ± 525). In conclusion, males exhibited the greatest amount of moderate and vigorous PA. Females spent the greatest time sitting. Arabic was different by gender, and science AP was dependent upon gender. Conclusions: These data suggest subjects in middle school are sensitive to gender, but not necessarily influenced by PA or SB at this age. Encouraging a school-based program and an after-school health club characterized by gender sensitive strategies consisting of a health class and physical education curriculum support the unique needs, interests of academic performance, and motor skills to improving health related fitness for girls compared to boys.

This experiment examined physical activity (PA), sitting time, and satisfaction with life (SL) in European (45%) and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA; 55%) handball players (n = 418; age: 25.6 ± 6.8 years; body mass: 88.1 ± 11.7 kg; height: 1.83 ± 0.08 m) during the coronavirus (COVID)-19 pandemic. The International Physical Activity (IPAQ) and Satisfaction of Life (LS) Questionnaires were administered. All PA variables (vigorous, moderate, walking, total PA) were negatively influenced, but no interaction effects (IE; region x time) were observed. Sitting time increased from 2.5 to 4.9 h∙weekday−1 (ηp2 = 0.80) and walking time decreased from 66.8 to 33.5 min∙day−1 (ηp2 = 0.83). Based on effect sizes (d), pre- to during-confinement reductions were similar between regions (MENA: d = 3.29; Europe: d = 3.41; IE: ηp2 = 0.01). The largest regional difference was in moderate PA (MENA: d = 1.88; Europe: d = 2.99; IE: ηp2 = 0.09). SL in the total sample reduced from 30.6 ± 2.02 to 13.9 ± 2.20 arbitrary units (AU). SL reduction was similar in both regions (dMENA = 8.44; dEUROPE = 8.06; IE: ηp2 = 0.01). To conclude, PA decreased during COVID-19 confinement, sitting time increased, and SL decreased irrespective of geographical region. These preliminary findings highlight risk of SL and physical inactivity during COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.

This project investigated effects of 8 weeks of biweekly loaded combined plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction training an in-season regimen of young soccer players. An experimental (n = 17, age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 64.5 ± 5.2 kg, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m,) and control group (n = 17, age: 16.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 65.6 ± 4.8 kg, height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m) were tested pre- and post-intervention for squat-jump (SJ), countermovement-jump (CMJ), and five-jump test (5JT), 10 m and 30 m sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, and dynamic balance performance. The experimental group (EG) outperformed the control group (CG) over 8 weeks in jumping (p < 0.001; d = 0.98–1.17), 10 m sprinting (p < 0.001; d = 0.94), change-of-direction ability (p < 0.001; d = 1.24), and dynamic balance performance (p < 0.001; d = 0.53–0.74). We conclude that adding biweekly loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training to habitual training improves athleticism of young soccer players. Therefore, loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training should be implemented as a part of research-informed soccer training.

This study investigated differences in physical fitness and academic attainment in obese and non-obese adolescent handball players. A total of 31 males (age: 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 77.8 ± 17.7 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.8 ± 6.9 kg/m2; body fat: 26.4 ± 6.34%) from the Qatar handball first division participated and were divided into two body fat percentage (%BF) groups (i.e., obese or non-obese). Anthropometrics (height, mass, BMI, and %BF) and physical performance testing ability (T-half test for change-of-direction (COD); squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10 and 15 m sprints; medicine ball throw (MBT), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)) were determined. Academic attainment was determined through grade point averages (GPA). Non-obese participants had superior performances in mathematics (p < 0.001) and science (p = 0.013), agility T-half test (p = 0.001), CMJ (p < 0.001), and 15 m sprint (p = 0.019). Correlations were found between T-half test and mathematics (r = 0.500) and science (r = 0.484). To conclude, obese school-age handball players have poorer fitness and academic performances than normal body weight adolescents.

This project investigated the effect of adding 8 weeks of bi-weekly plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction (PSSCoD) training into standard training for elite youth soccer players from Tunisia. A training group (n = 18; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.2 ± 4.8 kg; stature: 1.73 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 11.2 ± 1.7%), and control group (n = 16; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.6 ± 4.3 kg; height: 1.73 ± 0.06 m; body fat: 11.6 ± 1.5%) participated. The pre- and post-intervention measures were squat-jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 m and 20 m sprint, change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m)), repeated sprint ability (RSA), and static balance (stork balance test). The training group displayed superior jump (all p < 0.05; d > 0.49), sprint (p < 0.05; d > 0.52), change-of-direction ability (p < 0.01; d = 0.78), RSA (p < 0.01; d > 0.70), and static balance (p < 0.05; d > 0.49) improvements. Adding bi-weekly PSSCoD improves the athletic performance of young soccer players.

This study examined the physical fitness, anthropometry, and throwing velocity of normal weight and overweight male team handball players. Twenty-five players from the Qatar handball first professional league participated. The anthropometry and physical performance—yo-yo intermittent recovery test, jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ)), T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability, sprint tests (15 and 30 m), and 3 kg medicine ball overhead throw—was measured. The handball-throwing velocity was measured using a three-step running shot and a jump shot. Only the CMJ (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.227) was different between the normal and overweight subjects. Two-step linear regression analysis using body height and body mass (step 1) and percentage body fat (%BF) (step 2) predictors showed an increase in the explained variance by adding %BF. The largest r2 change was calculated for COD (0.53). The predictive ability was observed for CMJ (step 1: r2 = 0.18, step 2: r2 = 0.22) and SJ (step 1: r2 = 0.05, step 2: r2 = 0.09). With the exception of the sprint parameters (β-coefficient 15 m sprint: −0.07; β-coefficient 30 m sprint: −0.06) and COD (β-coefficient: −0.09), a lower %BF was associated with greater performance in all parameters. %BF seems to be important for predicting sprint and agility performance.

This project investigated the effect of incorporating 8 weeks of biweekly upper limb loaded plyometric training (using elastic bands) into the in-season regimen of handball players. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) (n = 15, age = 18.1 ± 0.5 years, body mass = 73.7 ± 13.9 kg), or an experimental group (EG) (n = 14, age = 17.7 ± 0.3 years, body mass = 76.8 ± 10.7 kg). The measurements obtained pre- and post-intervention included a cycle ergometer force–velocity test, ball throwing velocity in three types of throwing, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press and pull-over, and anthropometric estimates of the upper limb muscle volumes. The EG improved in absolute muscle power (W) (Δ23.3%; interaction effect p = 0.032 more than pre-intervention), relative muscle power (W·kg−1) (Δ22.3%; interaction effect p = 0.024), and all three types of ball throwing (Δ18.6%, interaction effect p = 0.019 on a jumping shot; Δ18.6%, interaction effect p = 0.017 on a three-step running throw; and Δ19.1%, interaction effect p = 0.046 on a standing throw). There was no interaction effect for the 1-RM bench press and pull-over performance. The upper limb muscle volumes remained unchanged in both groups. We concluded that adding biweekly elastic band plyometric training to standard training improves the muscle power and throwing velocity. Accordingly, such exercises should be adopted as a part of a pragmatic approach to handball training.

This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 12), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 11), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 12). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Measurements included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ, respectively)), and sprint tests (10 and 15 m). The power of the upper extremity was measured by a 2-kg overhead medicine ball throw for distance. Except for %BF (p = 0.387) and BMI (p = 0.070), all anthropometric and demographic parameters were different between age groups. The largest differences were found for body mass (p = 0.007) and body height (p = 0.008). Regarding fitness parameters, only the medicine ball throw (p = 0.022) was different between age groups (U10 vs. U12: p = 0.009; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.048). There was no difference between groups for jumping (CMJ: p = 0.586; SJ: p = 0.377), sprinting (10 m: p = 0.211; 15 m: p = 0.194) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.228). Body fat was the anthropometric parameter with the strongest relationship with physical performance in that lower body fat was related to superior jumping performance and sprint performance. In conclusion, except for %BF and BMI, all anthropometric parameters were different between U10, U11, and U12 handball players. For physical parameters, jumping, sprinting, and endurance performance were not different between age groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their school-aged handball players, as well as for establishing performance goals.